When the Boston Celtics formally suspended former head coach Ime Udoka in late September of 2022, what happened next for the club was unclear. The move came after an investigation uncovered an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer, prompting the organization to act. Just a few months prior, Boston had made a return to the NBA Finals. How would the team maintain its momentum and poise?
One of the first acts made by the organization was to promote assistant coach Joe Mazzulla to the role of interim head coach. (The interim label was officially dropped the following February.) At the time, it was a surprising choice. According to Boston Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck, however, Mazzulla came highly recommended. It was President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens who suggested Mazzulla step in, a choice Grousbeck recently told the Boston Globe he’s very glad he signed off on.
